Course Syllabus

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FES 4884: Introduction to terrorism

Course Description

Download a Copy of the Course Syllabus

This course introduces the fundamental concepts, theories, principles, and practice of terrorism and terrorist events. This course introduces the threat of terrorism and impact on community preparedness by identifying the concepts of terrorism. The course compares and contrasts the historical roots of terrorism to contemporary society by critiquing past terrorism preventative measures and analyzing terrorism impacts on society.

Prerequisite Knowledge and Skills:

Student participating in, and completing this course are expected to have the skills and abilities to conduct research using a variety of resources, assimilate the information contained in those resources, and make the appropriate inferences.

To be successful students should have knowledge of basic emergency response principles. Students should have the skills to effectively communicate through writing and presentations. In ALL of the writing assignments grammar and content will be considered as well as accuracy. All students should have an undergraduate degree.

Purpose of Course:

The course provides an overview of the terror threat faced by emergency managers.

Course Goals and/or Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will:
1. Recognize the threat of terrorism and impact on community preparedness.
2. Identify the concepts of terrorism.
3. Describe specific ways to reduce the terror threat.
4. Compare & contrast the historical roots of terrorism to contemporary society
5. Critique past terrorism preventative measures
6. Analyze terrorism impacts on society

How This Course Relates to the Student Learning Outcomes in the Fire & Emergency Services program:

Successful completion of this course will increase the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the student as it relates to competencies needed to successfully guide a fire and emergency service. Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills for leadership in fire and emergency services.

Teaching Philosophy:

My educational/teaching philosophy is based on my firm belief that “Lifelong learning is the key to happiness and success”. I believe it is vital for all, from birth to death, to have the opportunity to learn in an environment that not only is safe and fosters learning but allows the student to learn in his/her own way and time. As a student-centered educator and trainer, I focus on the needs and goals of the students, combined with the needs and goals of the curriculum and educational institution. My philosophy also includes a very strong belief that students need to take responsibility for their learning and for their following the rules, policies, and guidelines of the educational institution.
I am looking for students to demonstrate a working knowledge of the subject. You need to be creative when you complete your assignments but maintain a professional appearance of your work. Your work needs to be complete and in such a manner that someone can pick up your document and understand what you are trying to convey. Most of your work needs to be supported with research and cited in properly in APA format.

Instructional Methods:

The course is designed for individual and group interactivity. It is important to post and respond to discussion questions in the course within the time frame allotted. This provides a learning environment by networking with other students in the course. The assignments are individual base to give you the opportunity to do a variety of activities, in many cases, similar to what you will be doing in role as a leader in the emergency services profession.

Online (Canvas)

E-learning uses a combination of a texts, writings by the instructor and other experts, provided resources, the University of Florida Library, and the Internet. The student must complete the homework assignments; participate in the discussion activities and respond to at least 2 other student postings which are assigned to each lesson and write a research paper/applied final.

Credit Hours:

3

Textbook:

No Textbook. All readings are provided within each module.

Additional Resources: https://dcp.ufl.edu/rinker/academics/fes-course-descriptions/ 

Download a copy of the SYLLABUS

 

Course Website & Communications

Course Website:

https://dcp.ufl.edu/rinker/academics/online/fire-and-emergency-services/

 

Course Communications:

There is a Class Email tab that can be used to send me an email. Urgent messages you may call me at 813-309-1948 between 9am and 9pm. If I do not answer leave a message.

Recommended/Optional Text:

  • Emergency Response to Terrorism: Job Aid (ISBN: 9780160724343)
  • Understanding Homeland Security (ISBN: 9781544355825)

 

Additional Resources:

 

APA Style Guides

 

Course Description

This course introduces the fundamental concepts, theories, principles, and practice of terrorism and terrorist events. This course introduces the threat of terrorism and impact on community preparedness by identifying the concepts of terrorism. The course compares and contrasts the historical roots of terrorism to contemporary society by critiquing past terrorism preventative measures and analyzing terrorism impacts on society.

Prerequisite Knowledge and Skills:

Student participating in, and completing this course are expected to have the skills and abilities to conduct research using a variety of resources, assimilate the information contained in those resources, and make the appropriate inferences.

To be successful students should have knowledge of basic emergency response principles. Students should have the skills to effectively communicate through writing and presentations. In ALL of the writing assignments grammar and content will be considered as well as accuracy. All students should have an undergraduate degree.

Purpose of Course: 

The course provides an overview of the terror threat faced by emergency managers. 

Course Goals and/or Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will:

  1. Recognize the threat of terrorism and impact on community preparedness.
  2. Identify the concepts of terrorism.
  3. Describe specific ways to reduce the terror threat.
  4. Compare & contrast the historical roots of terrorism to contemporary society
  5. Critique past terrorism preventative measures
  6. Analyze terrorism impacts on society

How This Course Relates to the Student Learning Outcomes in the Fire & Emergency Services program:  

Successful completion of this course will increase the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the student as it relates to competencies needed to successfully guide a fire and emergency service. Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills for leadership in fire and emergency services.

Teaching Philosophy: 

My educational/teaching philosophy is based on my firm belief that “Lifelong learning is the key to happiness and success”. I believe it is vital for all, from birth to death, to have the opportunity to learn in an environment that not only is safe and fosters learning but allows the student to learn in his/her own way and time. As a student-centered educator and trainer, I focus on the needs and goals of the students, combined with the needs and goals of the curriculum and educational institution. My philosophy also includes a very strong belief that students need to take responsibility for their learning and for their following the rules, policies, and guidelines of the educational institution.

I am looking for students to demonstrate a working knowledge of the subject. You need to be creative when you complete your assignments but maintain a professional appearance of your work. Your work needs to be complete and in such a manner that someone can pick up your document and understand what you are trying to convey. Most of your work needs to be supported with research and cited in properly in APA format.

Instructional Methods:

The course is designed for individual and group interactivity. It is important to post and respond to discussion questions in the course within the time frame allotted. This provides a learning environment by networking with other students in the course. The assignments are individual base to give you the opportunity to do a variety of activities, in many cases, similar to what you will be doing in role as a leader in the emergency services profession.

Online (Canvas) - E-learning uses a combination of a texts, writings by the instructor and other experts, provided resources, the University of Florida Library, and the Internet. The student must complete the homework assignments; participate in the discussion activities and respond to at least 2 other student postings which are assigned to each lesson and write a research paper/applied final.

 

 

Course Policies

Attendance Policy: 

The course is designed in module format. You should check the site at least once a week. You are required to complete the assignments including discussion questions within the time period designated on the module. There will be meetings set up throughout the course. Requirements for class attendance and make-up exams, assignments, and other work in this course are consistent with university policies that can be found in the online catalog at: https://catalog.ufl.edu/ugrad/current/regulations/info/attendance.aspx 

Academic Integrity:

Plagiarism: Presenting as one’s own ideas, words, or products of another. Plagiarism includes use of any sources to complete academic assignments without proper acknowledgement of the source.

Cheating is a broad term that includes the following:

  • Giving or receiving help from unauthorized persons or materials during examinations.
  • The unauthorized communication of examination questions prior to, during, or following administration of the examination.
  • Collaboration on examinations or assignments expected to be individual work.
  • Fraud and deceit, that include knowingly furnishing false or misleading information or failing to furnish appropriate information when requested, such as when applying for admission to the University.

Artificial Intelligence (AI):

  • University policy on AI in writing: AI-generated content is prohibited for academic papers. Students must demonstrate their knowledge and critical thinking. However, AI tools for research, proofreading, and citation management are allowed to aid and enhance the writing process. Proper attribution of AI-generated content is required if used for supporting research.

 Instructor Response:

  • I will respond to all student inquiries within 24-48 hours. If it is urgent, please contact me immediately.

Quiz/Exam Policy: 

  • There is a final project for this course. There are no exams or quizzes.

Make-up Policy:  

You must contact me if you are going to be late on any assignment to receive credit.

Assignment Policy: 

  • All assignments have a due date. Please be sure to check the date and time it is due in each module.

Course Technology:

  • The course resides in the web-based Canvas learning management system, requiring access to the internet. Class meetings will require a web camera and mic/audio. If you are not able to use a web camera you will need to at least provide audio/mic, you can call in on a phone also.
  • You will be asked to explore interactive, media-rich websites using the Internet. Some of these sites might use multimedia components such as audio, video and other similar clips which will require you to download special software programs called plug-ins. These allow your Web browser (e.g.: Internet Explorer, Firefox, Netscape) to access these media. The plug-ins are free and often download quickly) Make certain to install the latest version of Acrobat Reader to access course multimedia.

UF's Honesty Policy:

  • UF students are bound by The Honor Pledge which states, “We, the members of the University of Florida community, pledge to hold ourselves and our peers to the highest standards of honor and integrity by abiding by the Honor Code.  On all work submitted for credit by students at the University of Florida, the following pledge is either required or implied: “On my honor, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid in doing this assignment.” The Honor Code (http://www.dso.ufl.edu/sccr/process/student-conduct-honor-code/ specifies a number of behaviors that are in violation of this code and the possible sanctions.  Furthermore, you are obliged to report any condition that facilitates academic misconduct to appropriate personnel. If you have any questions or concerns, please consult with the instructor of in this class.

Technical support:

  • If you experience difficulties with accessing components of the site, including lectures, quizzes or tests, contact the UF help desk immediately. (352) 392-HELP (4357) | helpdesk@ufl.edu
  • If they are not able to resolve your problem, contact Dr. Reynolds with your help desk ticket number and a description of the problem and steps taken to resolve it. Extensions for due dates will be granted for documented technical problems, as needed.

Assignment and Discussion Policy:

Assignment Rules:

  • All written assignments will be graded against the Written Assignment Rubric.
  • Assignments should be written in APA style unless otherwise indicated in the assignment.
  • Assignments will be graded on accuracy, appropriateness to the assignment, details presented, appropriate citations, references, and resources.
  • On the date identified in the syllabus the lessons and the assignment(s) for that lesson will be opened and 30 days after the due date the assignment is due.
  • The lessons will be open until the end of the class.
  • Assignments should be written for the reader who knows nothing about the subject.
  • All written assignments should be turned in to the instructor via the assignments section of the virtual classroom in the order in which they are assigned.
  • Every attempt will be made to provide feedback every 48 hours or more often if possible.
  • When assignments are graded and the opportunity to make corrections is given to you the next assignment will not be graded until the corrections are made.
  • If you choose not to make correction, and continue to submit assignment this indicates to the instructor that you are not going to make any corrections. In that event a grade will be given and you will lose the opportunity to improve your grade.
  • There will be no opportunity to improve your grade on the FINAL Assignment.
  • Assignments 48 hours late will receive a 10% deduction in their grade.
  • Assignments more than 48 hours but less than 30 days late will receive a 20% deduction in their grade.
  • Assignments more than 30 days late but submitted during the semester will receive a 50% deduction in their grade (Note: Contact me if you believe your assignment will be greater that 30 days late).
  • If your assignment is 30 days late you will receive a "0"
  • Errors that continue to be made in multiple assignments may affect the grades of the individual assignments as well as the final grade.
  • It is highly recommended that students keep electronic copies of all materials.
  • Please note that any student have less than 75% of their work complete for the semester cannot earn an “I” contract. If you have 75% of the work complete, you can propose an I contract to the instructor.
  • If for some reason you are not going to finish this class on time you need to let me know mid-term. If I do not receive a request for an extension by that date you will earn a "0" for any assignments not completed.
  • If you complete the final assignment and have not completed other assignments first you will receive a "0" for those not completed assignments.
  • It is your responsibility to keep your instructor informed at all times. The instructor does have the right under extenuating circumstances with proper notification to assist the student by extending the above time requirements.

Discussion Rules

  • A forum discussion posting will be graded against the Discussion Forum Rubric.
  • Your INITIAL post must be posted by midnight Thursday of the assignment week and must be a minimum of 500 words. FOLLOW UP postings are due by midnight Sunday of the assignment week.
  • A "discussion thread" is started each time you submit an original discussion topic.
  • Responding to the Main Item - A good title tells something of the nature of your personal response. "Response to Discussion 1" is not a very useful title, particularly if everyone in your course uses it.
  • DO NOT respond to all of the Discussion Questions before you have read and done the corresponding assignment
  • Responding to Other’s Responses – A minimum of 250 words. Do not simply agree or disagree. Provide a substantive response. Make a compelling argument to support your position.
  • Netiquette - because discussions are of a public nature, please observe proper "netiquette" -- courteous and appropriate forms of communication and interaction over the Internet (in online discussions). This means no personal attacks, obscene language, or intolerant expression. All viewpoints should be respected. A great primer is located at: http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html.
  • Quality Discussion Responses such as "I agree," "good question," or "good answer" are not acceptable.
  • Any response that is just an opinion or is unsubstantiated; any response that is carelessly typed, poorly thought-out, grammatically incorrect or confusing; or any response that is disrespectful of another student or any other person, etc., is not acceptable.
  • A high-quality response applies a concept from the text or course in a meaningful way or facilitates understanding of the course material or topic.
  • Responses should indicate that you have critically thought about the discussion topic and demonstrate that you can apply and articulate the knowledge you are learning.
  • Your responses should be well organized and grammatically correct.
  • Substantive responses do not just deliver opinions; they offer justification for those opinions and should cite sources when appropriate.
  • Expected Quantity of Responses Full participation in each discussion requires that you respond to the initial discussion item and at least two student’s discussion items.
  • For full credit, you must have an initial discussion item, a response to at least two students at any time. Therefore, you will have at least three quality posts for each discussion. This is to help treat the discussion as a conversation. Think about how you would feel if you made an observation in a traditional classroom, and no one responded.
  • Discussions more than 48 hours late will receive a 25% deduction in their grade.
  • Discussions more than 48 hours later will receive a 50% deduction in their grade.

 

UF Policies

University Policy on Accommodating Students with Disabilities:

Students requesting accommodation for disabilities must first register with the Dean of Students Office https://www.dso.ufl.edu/drc/ . The Dean of Students Office will provide documentation to the student who must then provide this documentation to the instructor when requesting accommodation. You must submit this documentation prior to submitting assignments or taking the quizzes or exams. Accommodations are not retroactive, therefore, students should contact the office as soon as possible in the term for which they are seeking accommodations.

University Policy on Academic Misconduct:  

Academic honesty and integrity are fundamental values of the University community. Students should be sure that they understand the UF Student Honor Code at http://www.dso.ufl.edu/sccr/process/student-conduct-honor-code/ specifies a number of behaviors that are in violation of this code and the possible sanctions.  Furthermore, you are obliged to report any condition that facilitates academic misconduct to appropriate personnel. If you have any questions or concerns, please consult with the instructor of in this class.

Technical support:

If you experience difficulties with accessing components of the site, including lectures, quizzes or tests, contact the UF help desk immediately. (352) 392-HELP (4357) | helpdesk@ufl.edu

If they are not able to resolve your problem, contact Dr. Reynolds with your help desk ticket number and a description of the problem and steps taken to resolve it. Extensions for due dates will be granted for documented technical problems, as needed.

Netiquette:

Communication Courtesy:  All members of the class are expected to follow rules of common courtesy in all email messages, threaded discussions and chats.  [Describe what is expected and what will occur as a result of improper behavior] http://teach.ufl.edu/docs/
NetiquetteGuideforOnlineCourses.pdf     

 

UF Honor Code

UF students are bound by The Honor Pledge which states, “We, the members of the University of Florida community, pledge to hold ourselves and our peers to the highest standards of honor and integrity by abiding by the Honor Code.  On all work submitted for credit by students at the University of Florida, the following pledge is either required or implied: “On my honor, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid in doing this assignment.”

The Honor Code (http://www.dso.ufl.edu/sccr/process/student-conduct-honor-code/) specifies a number of behaviors that are in violation of this code and the possible sanctions.  Furthermore, you are obliged to report any condition that facilitates academic misconduct to appropriate personnel. If you have any questions or concerns, please consult with the instructor of in this class.

Getting Help

For issues with technical difficulties for E-learning in Canvas, please contact the UF Help Desk at:

Any requests for make-ups due to technical issues MUST be accompanied by the ticket number received from LSS when the problem was reported to them. The ticket number will document the time and date of the problem. You MUST e-mail your instructor within 24 hours of the technical difficulty if you wish to request a make-up.

Other resources are available at http://www.distance.ufl.edu/getting-help for:

  • Counseling and Wellness resources
  • Disability resources
  • Resources for handling student concerns and complaints
  • Library Help Desk support

Should you have any complaints with your experience in this course please visit http://www.distance.ufl.edu/student-complaints to submit a complaint.

Learning Objectives

grading policies

The grade is based on a point system. You divide the total number of earned points into the total amount of points available to determine your grade.

Assignments

Points 

Introduction Forum

50

Module 1 Paper Assignment: Terrorism Concepts & History

100

Module 2 Discussion Forum: The Role of the Mass Media & Jihad

50

Module 3: Paper Assignment - Terrorist Designation & Hostages

100

Module 4 Discussion Forum: Contemporary Terrorism & Suicide Bombings

50

Module 5: Paper Assignment - Counter-Terrorism

100

Module 6 Discussion Forum: Domestic Terrorism

50

Module 7 Discussion Forum: Future of Terrorism

50

Module 8: FINAL COURSE PAPER

200

Total Points Possible

750

Grading Scale

A   = 93.0 to 100%     C   = 73.0 to 76.9
A-  = 90.0 to 92.9       C-  = 70.0 to 72.9
B+ = 87.0 to 89.9       D+ = 67.0 to 69.9
B   = 83.0 to 86.9       D   = 63.0 to 66.9
B-  = 80.0 to 82.9       D-  = 60.0 to 62.9
C+ = 77.0 to 79.9       F   = below 60 

Assignment Point or Percentage
Grading Discussion Participation –  points each discussion (x5) 50 points
Homework Assignments –  points each assignment (x3) 100 points
Final Project - comprehensive and applied 200 points
Total Grade 750 points

 

evaluation process

Students are expected to provide professional and respectful feedback on the quality of instruction in this course by completing course evaluations online via GatorEvals. Guidance on how to give feedback in a professional and respectful manner is available at https://gatorevals.aa.ufl.edu/students/. Students will be notified when the evaluation period opens, and can complete evaluations through the email they receive from GatorEvals, in their Canvas course menu under GatorEvals. Summaries of course evaluation results are available to students at https://gatorevals.aa.ufl.edu/public-results/.

 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due